Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: Is it a Myth

Just like men may suffer from severe conditions that can inhibit their lives and cause them tremendous difficulty in their daily lives, women also may have problems. These problems may be related to the physiological make up. Sometimes, problems such as these may be taken to be a myth. However, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome cannot simply be put down as a myth. This is because of the fact that it is a real condition that many women suffer.  

The symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome are real enough as an immense amount of time has been spent on its research. Research in this direction still continues in order to identify the symptoms of PMS as it has been a subject of interest since the 19th century.

According to research, it is known that most women are known to experience PMS symptoms like discomfort before their menstrual periods. This is something that is considered to be very normal. However, a significant number of women tend to suffer from PMS symptoms that are more intense, though not of the disabling kind. These may be short-termed ones.

PMS symptoms are known to occur about a week or two prior and end with the beginning or a few days after the menstrual period.

The PMS Symptoms Include

The symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman and there is no definite way of determining how severely an individual could be affected.

• Stomach upset, swelling, diarrhea or constipation
• Headaches
• Changes in anxiety or depression or food cravings
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Anxiety or depression
• Fatigue and trouble sleeping
• Joint or muscle pain
• Stress, irritability, mood swings
• Lack of concentration

It is thought that pre-menstrual syndrome might be associated with changes in estrogen and progesterone levels in women. However, the exact causes have not been determined.

The Following are Suggested Causes of PMS

• Progesterone- estrogen imbalance
• Hyperprolactinemia (over- secretion of prolactin)
• Excessive aldosterone, or ADH (this controls the sodium, chloride, and potassium metabolism)
• Carbohydrate metabolic changes
• Sodium and water retention by the kidneys
• Hypoglycemia
• Allergy to progesterone
• Psychogenic factors
• Serotonin, a brain chemical
• Diet low in calcium, vitamins and magnesium

With the number of researches and the symptoms of PMS, it could be said that PMS is not a myth. It is a genuine problem that is faced by a large number of women all over the world in particular days.